Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Tungsten Network?

  Tungsten Network is a global electronic invoicing network. Tungsten Network’s e-Invoicing platform enables suppliers to send invoice data directly from their accounting systems in any format to customers who are enrolled on the Tungsten Network.

• How does it work?

  Tungsten Network’s ‘any-to-any’ solution handles all the data mapping requirements and ensures that all supplier invoices are delivered in the format that a customer’s accounts payable system requires.

• Why should I use Tungsten Network to send my invoices?

  Shortly, this will be the only way that GSK will accept delivery of supplier invoices.

• Is invoicing via Tungsten Network a requirement for doing business with GSK?

  Yes, GSK is actively phasing out the processing of paper invoices to take advantage of the benefits that electronic invoicing provides to both us and our suppliers.

• What are the benefits of using Tungsten Network?

  • Secure and guaranteed invoice delivery – no more lost invoices
  • You can check the status of your invoice online 24/7 – from delivery through to payment
  • Reduced processing times – we receive your invoices faster which means we are able to pay you on time
  • Instant invoice validation – Fewer delays due to missing or incorrect information
  • Any-to-any data formatting technology – no additional software or hardware
  • VAT compliant – regardless of where invoices are sent from or received
  • Easy and cost efficient – send invoices at any time

• What are the service options offered by Tungsten Network?

  Tungsten Network offers two types of e-Invoice delivery; an Integrated Solution and a Web Form solution.

  The Integrated Solution enables suppliers to send their invoice data in any format directly to our accounting system. This integrates your current billing system into Tungsten’s e-Invoicing network so that data is transferred without manual intervention.

  The Web Form solution allows you to manually enter data into Tungsten Network’s secure online form. PO Convert also makes e-Invoicing via the Tungsten Web Form quick and easy for our suppliers.

  All suppliers will receive free access to Invoice Status Service once registered.

  If you would like to contact Tungsten Network directly, please email [email protected] or visit www.tungsten-network.com/GSK.

• What additional benefits will I experience using Tungsten Network and e-Invoicing?

  As soon as you are registered for e-Invoicing on Tungsten Network, your account will also be enabled for:

  Invoice Status Service – so that you can track the status of your invoice online right through to payment. Click here for more information on GSK Invoice Status Service.

  PO Services – Web Portal suppliers can view Purchase Orders online and quickly convert into an invoice in just a few clicks. Click here for more information on PO Services. Also, there are some GSK entities out of scope, please check this page.

• What is Invoice Status Service?

  Invoice Status Service is a complimentary feature of the Tungsten Network, allowing all GSK suppliers to view the status of their e-Invoice, quickly and easily via the secure, online portal. Once registered for Tungsten, your account will automatically be enabled for this service. Status’ such as “Received”, “Approved” “Paid” – Key information such as payment due date & paid date will also be displayed. You will no longer need to spend time and money calling GSK staff or the response centre directly.

  Please visit this page for more information on GSK’s Invoice Status Service.

• Do I need to install additional hardware or software?

  Tungsten Network is web-based, therefore all you require to access the e-Invoicing platform is a browser and internet access.

• Why should I use Tungsten Network to send my invoices?

  Shortly, this will be the only way that GSK will accept delivery of supplier invoices. All future supplier contracts will include e-Invoicing as a requirement for doing business with GSK.

• Will electronic invoicing be a requirement for new tenders and new suppliers?

  Yes. Electronic invoicing will be included in the evaluation process for new suppliers and tenders. For new contracts, GSK will include terms and conditions in contracts for future business which will require suppliers to use e-invoicing.

• Will I need to use this service if my account is currently paid on time?

  Yes. Using Tungsten Network will ensure we continue to pay you on time. Suppliers using Tungsten Network will also receive free online access to invoice status information via the Tungsten Portal.

• What costs are associated with enrolling on Tungsten Network?

  Tungsten Network offers two types of invoice delivery; an Integrated Solution and a Web Form solution.

  The Integrated Solution enables suppliers to send their invoice data in any format directly to our accounting system. This integrates your current billing system into Tungsten’s e-Invoicing network so that data is transferred without manual intervention; this solution has an annual membership fee; plus a transaction fee if you exceed the number of free invoices (520 per annum) which this solution offers.

  The Web Form solution allows you to manually enter data into Tungsten Network’s secure online form. If you choose to use the web form solution you are not required to pay a set-up or joining fee to start using this service. You will receive 52 free transactions each year; if your invoicing requirement exceeds the free transactions, you will be able to purchase more. Please see Tungsten Network Options document for current fees.

• What does the membership fee for the Integrated Solution cover?

  The membership fee covers the cost to Tungsten Network for setting you up on their network and the general costs of maintaining the network. The membership fee is an annual cost regardless of the number of customers that you invoice via the network.

• Why doesn’t GSK pay the fees?

  GSK and suppliers pay a fee to use Tungsten Network as we will both benefit from the service. Moving to electronic invoicing will create savings for suppliers by streamlining your processes and significantly reducing the time we pay your invoices.

  We believe that these fees equate closely to the cost of mailing and can be further absorbed by reducing your effort in chasing for invoice payment or resolving difficulties with invoices.

• Will GSK make payments using Tungsten Network?

  Tungsten Network is not a payment platform. GSK will continue to pay suppliers using the current payment method.

• Do I need to sign an agreement with Tungsten Network?

  If you select the Integrated Solution you will sign a supplier specific agreement with Tungsten Network. If you choose the Web Form solution you will be required to accept Tungsten Network’s standard terms and conditions.

• I already send some invoice data directly to other customers; can I send EDI/XML Invoices directly to GSK?

  EDI and XML are common data formats, therefore you can use these preferred formats to deliver the data to Tungsten if you choose to use the Integrated Solution. GSK will not take any electronic data directly from suppliers as we take a single consolidated invoice file from Tungsten which will contain invoices from all of our suppliers.

• I already have the facility to make invoices available to my customers via the Internet – allowing them to view an image of an invoice on the web. Can I use this facility instead of Tungsten Network?

  No, the Tungsten Network ensures that GSK receives the data you send in a format that will upload to our accounting software and, where applicable, match to a goods receipt record. Offering an image of the invoice or an option to download the data in a fixed format does not support GSK’s automated payment processes which are designed to ensure GSK meets its commitments to Suppliers and pays all invoices on time.

• Does this electronic invoicing requirement apply across all of GSK?

  Please click here to find a list of all GSK entities on Tungsten Network.   If you do business with any of the GSK customers listed here, you are expected to send all of your invoices via Tungsten Network.

• Who can I contact within GSK?

  The implementation of e-Invoicing will be managed by Tungsten Network on behalf of GSK.  If you are registered with Tungsten Network, please raise a support ticket.  If you would like to register please follow this help guide or call the Tungsten Team contact details.

• What if I don’t have a system capable of creating electronic invoices?

  You can access the Tungsten secure web site and create invoices online using the Web Form. No software installation is required. All you need is an Internet connection and a standard browser.

• How is the switch from paper to e-Invoicing managed?

  Once you are set-up and ready to transact via the network, Tungsten Network will send you an alert to notify you that you are ready to submit invoices to GSK.

• Can I send electronic invoices using Tungsten Network to all of my customers?

  Tungsten Network allows you to send electronic invoices to any other customers that are using the network once you have enrolled.

  For a list of GSK entities specifically, please download a list here.

• My organisation is planning to change its invoicing software soon, should I wait before subscribing?

  Tungsten Network accepts any incoming data format therefore you should join the network as soon as possible and send your invoices now to ensure your payments are not interrupted. You can simply advise Tungsten of the changes when you are ready to use your new software. Tungsten will make the necessary changes without interruption of invoice delivery.

  You can also use the Web Form service, providing you with online access to e-Invoicing and Invoice Status Service